New York City is facing significant delays in processing cash assistance applications, leaving many low-income residents waiting longer than the required 30 days for critical help. According to recent data from the preliminary Mayor’s Management Report, only 14% of cash assistance applications were processed on time between July and October of last year. This is worse than the previous year’s rate of 55% and the record-low rate of 28% from the last fiscal year.
The slow processing times come at a time when rents in the city are soaring and homelessness rates are at record levels. The Adams administration has been criticized for its failure to address these ongoing delays in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. The Human Resources Administration attributes the delays to a spike in the number of applications, which rose 70% compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
While the report shows a slight improvement in timely processing rates for SNAP applications, with 41% being processed within 30 days in the first four months of fiscal year 2024, there is still significant room for improvement. Delays in receiving benefits can have dire consequences for families, forcing them to make difficult choices about basic necessities and rent payments. The city must take immediate action to address these delays and ensure that low-income residents receive the assistance they desperately need.